Free Government Grants

Need free money for your business or education? Make use of Government Grants

It is possible to get government financing for
various activities, like business or finance. This article explores the
government grants and how you can use them.

Governments across the globe are engaged in awarding free money to businesses, organizations and needy individuals in the form of government grants. In the US alone, more than $650 billion have been endowed to worthy businesses and organizations. Each government agency that is involved in this activity has its own unique set of pre-requisites and procedures which you must familiarize yourself with, prior to applying for a government funded grant.

A Variety of Options

Government grants cater to both individuals' and businesses' needs. Several categories are included in the individual grants options. Grants may be extended to home owners or renters, students, sole-proprietorship owners, farmers and victims of war and natural calamities to name a few. Both private sector and non-profit organizations can benefit from government grants as well. The US government sets aside billions of dollars each year to help businesses get started and to help keep them afloat during times of financial duress.

Student Grants

Do you aspire to obtain a college degree but find that your resources do not measure up to cover your cost of attendance? Take advantage of the many government aid programs to help realize your dream. Student grants a great way of financing your college education and administered on a needs basis. Student grants can be administered via a federal grant program, known as the Pell Grant program or through various state programs.

Grants for Research

Students, businesses and non-profit organizations that are engaged in scientific Research and Development or plan to undertake research in a public sector too can finance their projects through government grants. While affiliated universities and institutions are the main source of obtaining information regarding obtaining government grants, you can directly seek the assistance of government agencies.

Business Grants

Raising capital for your business venture can be a difficult endeavor, depending on the required level of funds. While the government is fully cognizant of the importance of flourishing businesses to the economy and is generally willing to extend funds to worthwhile projects, businesses intending to seek government grants must meet certain requirements to qualify for a grant.

Non-profit organizations must ascertain that the services they provide are in favor of the public and do not accrue any capital gains for themselves in order to qualify for a government grant. A few reasons that allow businesses to qualify for a grant may include minority/women-owned business, export based business fraught with financial problems or a business that is in a special interest field. Businesses must submit detailed proposals in order to convince granting bureaus that they deserve the funds along with prepared financial statements, permits as well as character references that support their proposal.

Determine your Eligibility

The requirements that one must meet in order to qualify for a grant vary with each type of grant. Each US citizen may be eligible for more than one type of grant, but the exact pre-conditions that must be met should be checked with the relevant agency. The good news is that there are no credit checks, collaterals or co-signers required and a person's credit history will have no bearing on his eligibility, provided the unique conditions are met.

Explore your Options

Government websites are usually the preferred mode to browse for options available for funding. While this method is cost efficient, it is not particularly time efficient. Several online sites provide more focused and relevant information on sources of free funding that is up-to-date and spot-on, but may require a minor application processing fee. This should not act as a hindrance for you though. Bear in mind the advantages that government grants hold for you, and this will seem like a small price to pay.

You can also employ the services of professionals to help navigate through your options and to secure the money that you need, regardless of the purpose you require it for.